DAILY NEWS: IFC Gets "Mama"; "Bliss" Won, Too

(indieWIRE/06.19.01) — North American rights to Alfonso Cuaron‘s “Y Tu Mama Tambien” (And Your Mother Too) have been picked up by IFC Films. The film, described in a press release as “an erotic coming of agestory,” recently enjoyed the biggest three-day opening of any Mexican-madefilm in its home market, garnering $1.3 million during the first weekend.

The film focuses on two friends, played by Gael Garcia Bernal (“Amores Perros“) and Diego Luna (“Before Night Falls“), who go on a sexually-driven journey with a seductress, played by Maribel Verdu (“Belle Epoque“). Cuaron co-wrote the script with his brother Carlos Cuaron (“Al Rescate Ve La Santisima Trinidad“). Two-time Academy Award-nominated Director of Photography, Emmanuel Lubezki (“Sleepy Hollow“) shot the film which IFC Films plans to release in mid-2002.

Other IFC Films releases include Jim McKay‘s “Our Song,” currently inrelease, as well as upcoming films, “Together” by Lukas Moodysoon and“Happy Accidents” starring Marisa Tomei and directed by Brad Anderson. The one year old company also recently acquired Jesse Peretz‘ comedy, “The Chateau.” [Brian Brooks]

>> ADDENDUM: “Virgil” Was Also a Winner in Atlanta as Well

(indieWIRE/06.19.01) — Joe Maggio‘s “Virgil Bliss” was also a big winnerat the recently concluded 25th Atlanta Film & Video Festival. Themovie, which was mistakenly omitted from yesterday’s story, was awardedthe jury’s Best Narrative Film prize over the weekend. According to theFestival, the filmmaker was inspired by the work of Mike Leigh, KenLoach and John Cassavetes and workshopped his screenplay withthe film’s actors. Clint Jordan stars as the title character, portraysan ex-con struggling to create a “normal” life. [Eugene Hernandez]

(indieWIRE/06.18.01) — Nanni Moretti‘s “The Son’s Room” has been picked up by Miramax. Winners were announced for the 27th Seattle Film Festival with “Survivor” host Jeff Probst taking home a prize while many locals triumphed in the 25th Atlanta Film & Video Festival. And, the New York Video Fest unveils its line up.